Asparagus Sandwiches with Smokey Chipotle Sauce

an asparagus sandwich that will please even a meat-eater

 Steven and I had dinner at our friend's Chris and Karrie's house a while back and they served us these yummy sandwiches. The tangy sauce pairs so well with the fresh asparagus. And, the ciabatta roll provides the crunch that this sandwich definitely needs.

I recently asked Karrie for this recipe as I was thinking about this post. I just couldn't think of anything better for a main course. Little did I know, the recipe is from Food & Wine. Karrie sent me the direct link for their version and you can view that here. I've made the dressing almost exactly the same, but prepared my asparagus in a different fashion and topped only with Pecorino Romano cheese.

Recipe - Serves 4
Sauce
1/4C Ketchup
1/4C Mayo
2T Sherry Vinegar
2T Dijon Mustard
1 Clove Garlic, minced
1-2 Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce, depending on heat level

Sandwiches
2lbs. Asparagus, washed and trimmed
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling
Salt & Pepper
4 Ciabatta Rolls, approx. 7 in. long
1/4C Pecorino Romano Cheese

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Begin by making the smokey chipotle sauce. Combine the ketchup, mayo, vinegar, mustard, garlic, and chile(s) in a small blender or food processor. Blend everything until smooth and put into a small bowl. Set aside.

Next, put the washed and trimmed asparagus on a large sheet tray. Be sure they can lay in a single layer. Drizzle the asparagus with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper (approx. a teaspoon of each). Rub the oil, salt, and pepper all over the asparagus to be sure everything is coated well. Place the asparagus into the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes, or until crisp tender and bright green.

After the asparagus roasts, turn the oven to broil and toast the ciabatta rolls.

Build the sandwiches: slather sauce on either side of the toasted ciabatta roll, top the bottom bun with asparagus and Pecorino Romano cheese, cover with the top, and slice in half.

I served our sandwiches with mac and cheese. It just felt like the appropriate side for such a hearty non-meat sandwich. Enjoy!